Q. Dear Natalie, my doctor has
suggested some medication for my poor circulation. He has no objection
to me trying the “natural” approach first of all. Can you suggest
anything for poor blood circulation? I suffer mostly in my hands and
legs.

A. There are some very effective herbal remedies
used by the Chinese that can keep the blood flowing for optimum health.
Chinese medical practitioners have used herbal formulas for thousands of
years. Throughout my clinical practice I have had tremendous results
with Ginkgo biloba. It has been used as a herb to promote blood flow
throughout the body for thousands of years. It works to thin the blood,
which in turn reduces clotting that can restrict blood flow to all parts
of the body. Do not use Ginkgo biloba with blood thinning medications.

Another
very common herb used in treating poor circulation today is astragalus.
The benefits come from flavonoids and polysaccharides that promote
healthy blood cells. The peony flower root helps regulate the blood by
relaxing the vessels and reducing sticking of platelets. It nourishes
the blood and helps circulation to all parts of the body.

A
simple tip is to begin increasing the amount of garlic you use in your
recipes. Garlic helps improve circulation and also to lower blood
pressure and keep our arteries strong. The Chinese use cinnamon to help
increase circulation. It works to balance circulation between the upper
and lower extremities and helps warm the body. Ginger has been used to
increase circulation to the limbs and is another simple ingredient to
add to your cooking.

Vitamin E is an essential vitamin found
naturally in foods such as watercress, eggs, kale, walnuts, yams,
vegetable oils and sunflower seeds. It improves the circulation of blood
through the body, in particular to the skin. Vitamin E is an
antioxidant and helps to block oxygenation of free radicals that attack
arterial walls. This, therefore, prevents the worsening of poor
circulatory conditions. You can also find Vitamin E in supplement form.

I
highly recommend light exercise such as walking and swimming since this
will increase blood flow and help the body utilize oxygen more
efficiently. Massage also works in a similar way as exercise; through
manipulation to the muscles we can increase blood flow.

Q.
Can you recommend any dietary modifications or herbal aids that can
help improve my mild Anemia? Thank you, I always enjoy reading your
columns.

A. There are several dietary modifications that
can help reduce Anemia. Many foods and herbs are rich sources of iron
including spinach, eggs, legumes and dried prunes.

It’s
important to maintain a good level of Vitamin B12. Try To include more
red meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products since they are high in
vitamin B12. If you have a deficiency of wither Vitamin B12 and your
folic acid in your blood, the red blood cells will be too big and
inefficient at carrying oxygen. Both are the foundational elements of
red blood cells.

You can increase your intake of folic acid by
including more whole grains, dark green leafy vegetables, as well as
some fruits and juices. Nettle is a wonderfully nutritious plant, rich
in iron, Vitamin C and chlorophyll. It’s often prescribed in the case of
iron deficient Anemia. You can buy nettle tea from any good health food
store.

Alfalfa is also a very popular herbal treatment for
Anemia. It works to bring levels of hemoglobin into normal range. Once
cleaned thoroughly, you can use either the flowers, leaves, petals or
sprouted seeds in fresh, raw form for maximum nutritional value. I
highly recommend using alfalfa due to its high nutritional value.
Besides iron, it also contains the minerals calcium, copper, magnesium,
manganese, phosphorus, potassium and zinc, and vitamins A, B1, B2, B3,
B5, B6, C, E and K. Do not use when taking corticosteroid or blood
thinning medications. The recommended supplement treatment is 60 to 200
mg of iron per day. You can take this in the form of ferrous fumarate,
ferrous sulfate, or ferrous gluconate.

Vitamin C is important in
the blood to help red blood cells absorb iron. Finally avoid taking
milk, caffeinee, antacids or calcium supplements at the same time since
they can interfere with iron absorption.

Q.
I have started to grow mint plant at home and it is one of the easiest
plants to grow! Can you tell me some of its uses medicinally?

A.
I use peppermint most commonly when prescribing digestive aids to
soothe upset stomachs or acid reflux. Peppermint is effective when used
in herbal tea preparations and consumed after meals. If you have
overindulged in rich, heavy or fatty foods, peppermint works to soothe
cramps, gas and bloating.

You can also dry your own peppermint
and make a soothing digestive tea. Steep one teaspoon of the dried mint
in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. It works by relaxing the
smooth muscle and increasing bile production which the body uses to
digest fats. As a result, food passes through the stomach more quickly.
It also serves as a fantastic remedy for food poisoning and irritable
bowel syndrome. It can also be used as a decongestant for colds, to ease
a headache and topically for poison ivy.

When used as an
essential oil, peppermint can help to relieve tension headaches, ease
respiratory problems and soothe irritated or inflamed skin. Due to the
mint’s anti indigestion properties, the serving of mint sauce with roast
lamb and other meats has become a tradition. The mint aids in the
digestion of the tough fibers of the meat so it’s easier to digest. The
oil of the mint leaves also stimulate the digestive system thereby
preventing gaseous changes in the intestines.

This
column is brought to you as general information only and unless stated
otherwise is not medical advice nor is it based on medical experiments.

This
column is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific
medical conditions. For more information about specific problems,
please contact a doctor.

Ask
Natalie: If you have a health query and would like an alternative
answer then email Natalie with your question at nateopath@gmail.com.

Natalie
runs a clinic both in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem offering a wide range of
natural treatment. Healing is achieved using homeopathy, reflexology,
massage, flower remedies and nutritional wisdom.